I wanted to make this part of a longer piece but I didn't have the heart to spoil what turned out to be the perfect end note.

"You just can't stay away, can you?" that familiar voice warmed her soul as she stood just inside the doors of the gym that built her. Looking up into the rafters and breathing in the comforting, chemical smell of mat cleaner and chalk, Payson smiled: The Rock was like coming home.

Across a gym full of people flipping and flying through the air, Sasha still managed to spot her walking in. He made a beeline through the hustle and bustle to her, lifted her into his arms and swung her around.

"My champion!" he exclaimed as he set her back on her feet. Payson laughed a rich, heartfelt song that sparkled in her eyes and danced across her face. He had missed that sound. "What can I do for you?"

"I tried sitting at home, Sasha, I really did," she began, almost pleading. They walked slowly towards the steps to the office and sat on them, watching gymnasts training the way she had done every day since childhood. "I just couldn't do it."

"How long?" he asked. They sat side by side, shoulders touching, eyes straight ahead. The beauty of their relationship meant they could communicate in few words – and sometimes, with no words at all. Over the years they had developed a relationship far beyond that of a coach and his athlete; they had become fast friends—best friends.

"Two days," Payson answered with a sigh. "I got back from DC and sat at home and I just can't. I can't!"

"You're not thinking of training again?" he asked, a warning tone evident in his voice.

"God, no," Payson almost laughed. "Forget my back, I don't think my psyche could handle competing again. I am done with all that – with elite sports comes elite level drama!" she reminded him, emphasising the word drama. Sasha immediately thought of the constant love triangles and fall-outs involving Lauren and Kaylie and laughed heartily.

"Well, you're always welcome here," Sasha reminded her. "Champions are always welcome here."

Payson turned to see Sasha smiling softly at her, blue eyes dancing under fluorescent gym lights. She remembered the first time he'd said those exact words to her, the first time she had returned to The Rock after breaking her back. Walking slowly with a frame, strapped firmly into a solid back brace, it had taken all her strength, both physical and mental, to cross the threshold.

"Speaking of champions," Payson broke their silence after a moment, averting her gaze. "I still have your medal here."

"Hand it over, Keeler. The deal was a loan, until you had your own medal. Now you have – what is it, four? Five?"

"Five. And a silver." She answered smugly. She hadn't failed to notice the banners on the wall, proudly displaying her face and title of Olympic Champion. She dug into her bag and pulled out the medal Sasha had given her two years ago.

"Thanks for the loan," she said, pressing it into his hand with a small nod.

"I knew you'd come through," he said, voice low. "I always had faith in you."

Payson leant her head against his shoulder and smiled, watching the activity on the gym floor.

"Your yellow-leo girl needs to square her hips more," she stated, observing a gymnast practicing on the beam.

"So go and tell her," Sasha said. He reached his hand behind Payson and gave her a light, friendly shove. He smiled as he watched her skip down the steps and jog across the gym, eyes lighting up as she immersed herself back into her sport.

She couldn't keep away – and for that, he was truly thankful.